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Diamonds in the Rough #8
The Dishonored Viscount
He knows he doesn’t deserve her, yet he can’t get her out of his mind...
Stripped of his title because of a crime his father committed, Marcus Berkly has struggled to find a new place for himself in the world. Now, as London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. Until a chance encounter with a determined young woman upends his life.
When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process. But can a proper lady and an ill-reputed scoundrel have a future together? Or are the odds against them simply too great?
Stripped of his title because of a crime his father committed, Marcus Berkly has struggled to find a new place for himself in the world. Now, as London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. Until a chance encounter with a determined young woman upends his life.
When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process. But can a proper lady and an ill-reputed scoundrel have a future together? Or are the odds against them simply too great?
408 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2021
79 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 8, 2021
Barbara’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Diamonds In The Rough #8
Publication Date: 9/21/21
Period: Regency London - 1828
Number of Pages: 246
This final entry in the Diamonds in the Rough series definitely ticks all of my boxes. If other authors want to know how to write a strong, courageous, intelligent, and resilient female lead, all they have to do is read this book. Lady Louise seems to be a very biddable young lady, doing as she is told by her parents and society, but underneath that pliant exterior resides a spine of steel and a determination that is unmatched. Then, there is Marcus, we’ve met him before, and I am so very pleased to see his HEA finally. He is one of the strongest and most honorable heroes you’ll ever meet.
Lady Louise, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has lost her sight on and off all of her life. Each time, she has had to undergo an excruciatingly painful procedure, cupping, to get her sight back. The procedure, inserting a needle into the eye and scraping the lens to the side, isn’t the only treatment available, but it is the only one her father will allow. Louise lives in constant fear of suddenly losing her sight in a social situation and making a fool of herself. That has happened before – and will likely happen again. The first time, she ended up sprawled in the middle of the ballroom floor. Now, she knows it is happening again – she’s lost sight in one eye and knows it will only be a matter of time before she loses the sight in the other eye. She just cannot – absolutely cannot – undergo another cupping treatment. To think that the remainder of her life will be coping with cupping treatment after cupping treatment – until finally, they don’t work anymore and she’ll be blind. When she meets a gifted eye surgeon she knows she wants to learn more about his procedure, but her father refuses to even discuss it.
Mr. Marcus Berkly, formerly Viscount Seabrook, son of the convicted and executed Earl of Hedgewick, lost all of his social and financial standing when his father was convicted of murder. It made no difference that Berkly had done the right thing and it was at his word the earl was convicted. Nope – nobody in the ton cared about that. He has spent the last decade remaking himself and has done an outstanding job of it. He didn’t spend any time with the woe-is-me attitude – he sucked it up and decided on a career – went to medical school – and is now the premier eye surgeon in England. Many doctors don’t accept his method of treating cataracts even though the procedure has been around for seventy-five years. No, these doctors don’t really understand the process – nor the science – and will continue using the cupping procedure.
When the lovely young woman he’d only met twice approached him about performing the procedure on her, his first inclination was to decline. Her father was adamantly against it and would not allow it, so it would have to be a covert process – and she’d have to lie in bed with her eyes bandaged for a month after the procedure. Not something that could be easily managed. Until her brother and sister-in-law step in to offer a solution. What a fateful solution that was!
When unwanted betrothals happen – as well as kidnappings, coach accidents, and other things – well goodness – things get really exciting. Can Louise and Marcus outwit the furious Grasmere? If they do, can Louise adapt to being a social pariah with no financial standing?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I even managed to get past the addressing of a duchess as ‘Lady’ rather than Duchess or Your Grace. The writing is excellent and I absolutely adored both the male and female protagonists.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Diamonds In The Rough #8
Publication Date: 9/21/21
Period: Regency London - 1828
Number of Pages: 246
This final entry in the Diamonds in the Rough series definitely ticks all of my boxes. If other authors want to know how to write a strong, courageous, intelligent, and resilient female lead, all they have to do is read this book. Lady Louise seems to be a very biddable young lady, doing as she is told by her parents and society, but underneath that pliant exterior resides a spine of steel and a determination that is unmatched. Then, there is Marcus, we’ve met him before, and I am so very pleased to see his HEA finally. He is one of the strongest and most honorable heroes you’ll ever meet.
Lady Louise, the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has lost her sight on and off all of her life. Each time, she has had to undergo an excruciatingly painful procedure, cupping, to get her sight back. The procedure, inserting a needle into the eye and scraping the lens to the side, isn’t the only treatment available, but it is the only one her father will allow. Louise lives in constant fear of suddenly losing her sight in a social situation and making a fool of herself. That has happened before – and will likely happen again. The first time, she ended up sprawled in the middle of the ballroom floor. Now, she knows it is happening again – she’s lost sight in one eye and knows it will only be a matter of time before she loses the sight in the other eye. She just cannot – absolutely cannot – undergo another cupping treatment. To think that the remainder of her life will be coping with cupping treatment after cupping treatment – until finally, they don’t work anymore and she’ll be blind. When she meets a gifted eye surgeon she knows she wants to learn more about his procedure, but her father refuses to even discuss it.
Mr. Marcus Berkly, formerly Viscount Seabrook, son of the convicted and executed Earl of Hedgewick, lost all of his social and financial standing when his father was convicted of murder. It made no difference that Berkly had done the right thing and it was at his word the earl was convicted. Nope – nobody in the ton cared about that. He has spent the last decade remaking himself and has done an outstanding job of it. He didn’t spend any time with the woe-is-me attitude – he sucked it up and decided on a career – went to medical school – and is now the premier eye surgeon in England. Many doctors don’t accept his method of treating cataracts even though the procedure has been around for seventy-five years. No, these doctors don’t really understand the process – nor the science – and will continue using the cupping procedure.
When the lovely young woman he’d only met twice approached him about performing the procedure on her, his first inclination was to decline. Her father was adamantly against it and would not allow it, so it would have to be a covert process – and she’d have to lie in bed with her eyes bandaged for a month after the procedure. Not something that could be easily managed. Until her brother and sister-in-law step in to offer a solution. What a fateful solution that was!
When unwanted betrothals happen – as well as kidnappings, coach accidents, and other things – well goodness – things get really exciting. Can Louise and Marcus outwit the furious Grasmere? If they do, can Louise adapt to being a social pariah with no financial standing?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I even managed to get past the addressing of a duchess as ‘Lady’ rather than Duchess or Your Grace. The writing is excellent and I absolutely adored both the male and female protagonists.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2021
-Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!-
I really enjoyed this book and these characters. Louise was a wonderful character to read about and her character development was very well done. I loved how much she was standing up for herself by the end of the book! I really liked the doctor/patient dynamic and Marcus and Louise definitely had lots of chemistry. I do wish it had taken them longer to fall in love! It wasn't quite insta-love but I think more build-up would've paid off. It also would've been nice to see a little more of Hannah and Louise's friendship because it was really sweet.
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series so I was definitely a little confused about some of the side characters but it didn't hinder my understanding of the story. Overall this was definitely a fun and fairly quick read. The characters were lovable and the romance was swoon worthy. Definitely recommend for any lovers of historical romance.
I really enjoyed this book and these characters. Louise was a wonderful character to read about and her character development was very well done. I loved how much she was standing up for herself by the end of the book! I really liked the doctor/patient dynamic and Marcus and Louise definitely had lots of chemistry. I do wish it had taken them longer to fall in love! It wasn't quite insta-love but I think more build-up would've paid off. It also would've been nice to see a little more of Hannah and Louise's friendship because it was really sweet.
I haven't read any of the previous books in the series so I was definitely a little confused about some of the side characters but it didn't hinder my understanding of the story. Overall this was definitely a fun and fairly quick read. The characters were lovable and the romance was swoon worthy. Definitely recommend for any lovers of historical romance.
September 12, 2021
SWEET AND NICELY DEVELOPED
I was drawn to this book for two reasons; 1) I love historical romance 2) it features a surgical procedure I had done less than a year ago. The romance between Marcus and Louise was really sweet. It developed nicely (aside from an annoying back and forth towards the end). They had a great chemistry stemming from mutual respect and shared interests. Louise was an unlikely heroine due to her disability. Marcus also had an interesting background, being the son of a convicted murderer. Both face a lot of challenges in their time. I was entertained all the way through but never truly surprised. A good read for a lazy Sunday on the couch.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I was drawn to this book for two reasons; 1) I love historical romance 2) it features a surgical procedure I had done less than a year ago. The romance between Marcus and Louise was really sweet. It developed nicely (aside from an annoying back and forth towards the end). They had a great chemistry stemming from mutual respect and shared interests. Louise was an unlikely heroine due to her disability. Marcus also had an interesting background, being the son of a convicted murderer. Both face a lot of challenges in their time. I was entertained all the way through but never truly surprised. A good read for a lazy Sunday on the couch.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: 11 Ways to Get over a Reading Slump
August 2, 2022
The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes is yet another example of this authors ability to blend historical content, charming characters, witty dialogue, explosive chemistry, heartfelt emotions and pulse pounding passion all perfectly together creating the perfect historical romance! This series just gets better and better with each new story, Dr. Marcus Berkly and Lady Louise’s tale, fits in perfectly.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and read the story straight through…just couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book, the Diamonds in the Rough series, and any other book written by Sophia Barnes!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚I received a review copy from the author via Netgalley and chose to review — all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for the chance to read & review. 🦄
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end and read the story straight through…just couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book, the Diamonds in the Rough series, and any other book written by Sophia Barnes!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚I received a review copy from the author via Netgalley and chose to review — all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for the chance to read & review. 🦄
September 11, 2021
Raised with the privilege of wealth and title, Marcus Berkly lost his fortune and his courtesy title because of the heinous crime his father committed. He has since worked to find a new purpose in life as a physician and has become London’s top surgeon. He hasn’t attempted to reenter society, but he does have aristocratic friends, which leads to him meeting the daughter of an earl and having his life turned on its ear.
Lady Louise has undergone many painful eye couching surgeries so when she learns of Marcus’ newer and more permanently effective method for correcting vision, she decides she wants to give it a try. Her father is vocally against anything having to do with Marcus, so Louise must take her life into her own hands and resort to deception in order to control her own choices. With the surgery successful, Marcus and Louise spend a great deal of time together as she recovers and their initial attraction grows into something deeper, but a future in which they are together seems all but impossible thanks to Marcus’ poor reception in society and Louise’s father’s staunch views against him.
I’m so happy to see poor Marcus get his HEA and I hope he only continues to get more recognition for his fine qualities and character. It was refreshing to see a hero who is both an aristocrat and a self-made man, as well as a hero in need of redemption but not because of anything he did wrong. He handled everyone’s judgment much better than I think I would have and Louise’s determination to stand by him made her very likable. The he loves me; he loves me not inner monologues that both Marcus and Louise entertained about each other did get a bit old at times and sometimes made me feel like I was reading the same thing over again. I was glad to see them finally begin communicating, even though it was late in coming. The latter quarter of the book saw the plot go a bit off the rails with some interesting device choices, but things did come back together well in the end. I wish Marcus hadn’t been quite so noble in his efforts to push Louise away for her own good and I wish she had stood up to her father a bit sooner. I also could’ve done with a bit more steam, but all in all, this was a satisfying read that kept me hooked and not wanting to put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Lady Louise has undergone many painful eye couching surgeries so when she learns of Marcus’ newer and more permanently effective method for correcting vision, she decides she wants to give it a try. Her father is vocally against anything having to do with Marcus, so Louise must take her life into her own hands and resort to deception in order to control her own choices. With the surgery successful, Marcus and Louise spend a great deal of time together as she recovers and their initial attraction grows into something deeper, but a future in which they are together seems all but impossible thanks to Marcus’ poor reception in society and Louise’s father’s staunch views against him.
I’m so happy to see poor Marcus get his HEA and I hope he only continues to get more recognition for his fine qualities and character. It was refreshing to see a hero who is both an aristocrat and a self-made man, as well as a hero in need of redemption but not because of anything he did wrong. He handled everyone’s judgment much better than I think I would have and Louise’s determination to stand by him made her very likable. The he loves me; he loves me not inner monologues that both Marcus and Louise entertained about each other did get a bit old at times and sometimes made me feel like I was reading the same thing over again. I was glad to see them finally begin communicating, even though it was late in coming. The latter quarter of the book saw the plot go a bit off the rails with some interesting device choices, but things did come back together well in the end. I wish Marcus hadn’t been quite so noble in his efforts to push Louise away for her own good and I wish she had stood up to her father a bit sooner. I also could’ve done with a bit more steam, but all in all, this was a satisfying read that kept me hooked and not wanting to put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
September 21, 2021
To Rise Above His Rank🐺
1828- Late Regency- Georgian Period SWEET Romance💕 and Medical 🚑Miracle.
Louise💃💋, the daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has had cataracts in both eyes since she was a youngster. The accepted procedure, called couching, in those days, was to insert a needle into the eye and push the cataract out of the way. It was very painful and had to be repeated over time. Louise💃💋 has had it done three times and now,at Twenty, she is nearly blind again.
However, there is the French developed procedure of actual cataract removal that will allow her to see and never have to be repeated. She would need glasses to focus with but her eyesight would be vastly improved. Her father, the Earl of Grasmere, refuses to allow Louise💃💋 to have the surgery, because he has a grudge against the surgeon's disgraced family.
Louise's brother and his wife decide to help her by sending her to his in-laws to stay during the surgery and month long recovery. The surgeon is Marcus Berkly🐺, a Viscount who lost his title and everything else because his father murdered another peer. They are going behind her father's back! What will happen when he finds out?
Both of these young people know deep loss and very difficult circumstances. Can they find love💘 in each other?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱,
This ebook was $5.99💰 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review! NOT offered in Kindle Unlimited.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!
I am reading this from the ARC copy instead of the published copy, which isn't out yet but is too pricey for me to buy simply because of the sheer number of books I read and review.
This book was very interesting to me since I have had cataract removal, too, but now have developed macular degeneration, for which nothing yet can be done. Maybe someday... Think how far medicine and technology has come!
1828- Late Regency- Georgian Period SWEET Romance💕 and Medical 🚑Miracle.
Louise💃💋, the daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has had cataracts in both eyes since she was a youngster. The accepted procedure, called couching, in those days, was to insert a needle into the eye and push the cataract out of the way. It was very painful and had to be repeated over time. Louise💃💋 has had it done three times and now,at Twenty, she is nearly blind again.
However, there is the French developed procedure of actual cataract removal that will allow her to see and never have to be repeated. She would need glasses to focus with but her eyesight would be vastly improved. Her father, the Earl of Grasmere, refuses to allow Louise💃💋 to have the surgery, because he has a grudge against the surgeon's disgraced family.
Louise's brother and his wife decide to help her by sending her to his in-laws to stay during the surgery and month long recovery. The surgeon is Marcus Berkly🐺, a Viscount who lost his title and everything else because his father murdered another peer. They are going behind her father's back! What will happen when he finds out?
Both of these young people know deep loss and very difficult circumstances. Can they find love💘 in each other?
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱,
This ebook was $5.99💰 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review! NOT offered in Kindle Unlimited.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!
I am reading this from the ARC copy instead of the published copy, which isn't out yet but is too pricey for me to buy simply because of the sheer number of books I read and review.
This book was very interesting to me since I have had cataract removal, too, but now have developed macular degeneration, for which nothing yet can be done. Maybe someday... Think how far medicine and technology has come!
February 5, 2022
London 1828
A journey that pulls at the heart as a wonderful man is determined to help a lady in need.
Esteemed Eye doctor, Marcus Berkly is trying to live his life quietly, due to the well know crimes of his father. Unfortunately, when anyone learns his name, it seems they want to shun him and not acknowledge his successes.
Lady Louise has led her life in fear since she was seven. Having lost her sight and then gone through a painful procedure to have it come back, every few years she has to go through the same thing. Now at a ball, it happens again.
Unfortunately her father will not allow her to go to Dr Berkly, who has a miracle procedure that could make the blindness go away permanently!
Simply wonderful story as these two come together, he helping her eyesight and they begin to fall in love. But will they ever be together? So sighworthy!
A journey that pulls at the heart as a wonderful man is determined to help a lady in need.
Esteemed Eye doctor, Marcus Berkly is trying to live his life quietly, due to the well know crimes of his father. Unfortunately, when anyone learns his name, it seems they want to shun him and not acknowledge his successes.
Lady Louise has led her life in fear since she was seven. Having lost her sight and then gone through a painful procedure to have it come back, every few years she has to go through the same thing. Now at a ball, it happens again.
Unfortunately her father will not allow her to go to Dr Berkly, who has a miracle procedure that could make the blindness go away permanently!
Simply wonderful story as these two come together, he helping her eyesight and they begin to fall in love. But will they ever be together? So sighworthy!
August 17, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
I loved reading The Dishonored Viscount... I loved Marcus and Louise as a couple. I am looking forward to readng her previous books. 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
I loved reading The Dishonored Viscount... I loved Marcus and Louise as a couple. I am looking forward to readng her previous books. 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
September 21, 2021
Flight for sight_____3.5
Lady Louise, daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has an eyesight problem. It ruins her ability to freely enjoy herself at social occasions. She appears awkward, can’t dance, and becomes the focus for her vindictive societal peers. Louise’s parents are committed to her marrying well, even if the match is not to Louise’s liking. Her father is engineering a match for her with someone’s willing to overlook her disability. For now though he insists she have further treatment, ‘couching’ that is painful in the extreme. A needle is inserted into her eye and the lens pushed aside. Louise knows it will just be temporary. And wants to consult other specialists.
I found the problem with Sophie’s eyes not only real but gruelling and her experiences during surgery awful.(I felt the pain!)
Once more we see how females at this time (1820’s) are commodities within society. Males are touted as having superior knowledgeable and understanding. In reality they are given carte blanche by society to be as beastly as they like.
As far as Louise’s sight goes, convention insists that a father naturally knows better than a daughter what treatment she should have.
Meanwhile the male darlings of the ton are encouraged to look for a dowry rather than a person to wed. After all they can keep their mistresses and banish their wives to their estates.
Louise meets the kindly Mr. Nigel Fairbanks who has won her regard with his gentle treatment of her at social events. However Mr. Fairbanks might just not be all he appears.
Marcus Berkley lost everything—status, title, lands and inheritance when his father, the Earl of Hedgewick, was convicted for murder. Now he’s a doctor, an eye specialist. It’s to him Louise turns for help with her eyes. This is in secrecy due to her father’s opinion about Marcus coloured by the sins of Marcus’ father. Louise’s brother come to her aid, running interference.
This story has some winning aspects. Beautiful afflicted heroine going against her father’s demands, committed ex viscount who’s turned his life into a noble direction, unfeeling father, marriage uncertainties, mean girls and so much more. And yet my interest waned from time to time. Possibly some aspects were tied up too quickly and at other times a bit flat. Still the story came about and all was well.
A Sophie Barnes ARC via NetGalley
Lady Louise, daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has an eyesight problem. It ruins her ability to freely enjoy herself at social occasions. She appears awkward, can’t dance, and becomes the focus for her vindictive societal peers. Louise’s parents are committed to her marrying well, even if the match is not to Louise’s liking. Her father is engineering a match for her with someone’s willing to overlook her disability. For now though he insists she have further treatment, ‘couching’ that is painful in the extreme. A needle is inserted into her eye and the lens pushed aside. Louise knows it will just be temporary. And wants to consult other specialists.
I found the problem with Sophie’s eyes not only real but gruelling and her experiences during surgery awful.(I felt the pain!)
Once more we see how females at this time (1820’s) are commodities within society. Males are touted as having superior knowledgeable and understanding. In reality they are given carte blanche by society to be as beastly as they like.
As far as Louise’s sight goes, convention insists that a father naturally knows better than a daughter what treatment she should have.
Meanwhile the male darlings of the ton are encouraged to look for a dowry rather than a person to wed. After all they can keep their mistresses and banish their wives to their estates.
Louise meets the kindly Mr. Nigel Fairbanks who has won her regard with his gentle treatment of her at social events. However Mr. Fairbanks might just not be all he appears.
Marcus Berkley lost everything—status, title, lands and inheritance when his father, the Earl of Hedgewick, was convicted for murder. Now he’s a doctor, an eye specialist. It’s to him Louise turns for help with her eyes. This is in secrecy due to her father’s opinion about Marcus coloured by the sins of Marcus’ father. Louise’s brother come to her aid, running interference.
This story has some winning aspects. Beautiful afflicted heroine going against her father’s demands, committed ex viscount who’s turned his life into a noble direction, unfeeling father, marriage uncertainties, mean girls and so much more. And yet my interest waned from time to time. Possibly some aspects were tied up too quickly and at other times a bit flat. Still the story came about and all was well.
A Sophie Barnes ARC via NetGalley
August 9, 2021
I was instantly drawn into this lovely romantic story. I think that the author did great with entertainment of the story. I would have like for the heroine’s age to be twenty four or older. It was hard for me to read intimate scene with a woman of the young age of twenty. A wide age range or twenty four or older may work for the character. The plot I found very enjoyable to read. The romance was very sweet and charming among the characters.
September 13, 2021
***ARC Review
Overall I liked this book. The beginning of the plot was well paced, and it well written. Then the middle felt a little repetitive. Maybe I've been reading faced paced books so the pacing of 'The Dishonoured Viscount' seemed a little slow. However, the character, plot, and the over all arc of the story was fresh and different. I enjoyed the heroine was defiant as well and likeable. I enjoyed the medical sub-plot as well. It was unlike any historical romance I've ever read!
Overall I liked this book. The beginning of the plot was well paced, and it well written. Then the middle felt a little repetitive. Maybe I've been reading faced paced books so the pacing of 'The Dishonoured Viscount' seemed a little slow. However, the character, plot, and the over all arc of the story was fresh and different. I enjoyed the heroine was defiant as well and likeable. I enjoyed the medical sub-plot as well. It was unlike any historical romance I've ever read!
September 6, 2021
Marcus and Louise’s slow-burn romance is a fire continuously stoked throughout the pages.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 15, 2021
DISHONORED BUT FULL OF HONOR
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Marcus is dishonored because of his father’s sin of cold-blooded murder. Lady Louise is suffering from cataracts and her father’s inability to listen to her. The two meet and because Marcus is an ophthalmologist, he defies Louise’s father and gives her cataract surgery. I liked this story because Marcus does his best to be honorable no matter what his basic instincts tell him to do. I also liked the fortitude and strength of Louise to take matters into her hands and be a strong woman although she did it with a lie. Marcus’s honor is almost his downfall.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.
Marcus is dishonored because of his father’s sin of cold-blooded murder. Lady Louise is suffering from cataracts and her father’s inability to listen to her. The two meet and because Marcus is an ophthalmologist, he defies Louise’s father and gives her cataract surgery. I liked this story because Marcus does his best to be honorable no matter what his basic instincts tell him to do. I also liked the fortitude and strength of Louise to take matters into her hands and be a strong woman although she did it with a lie. Marcus’s honor is almost his downfall.
September 12, 2021
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.
The Dishonored Viscount is a well written novel with compelling characters and an absorbing plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. The unique aspects of this story kept me reading to find out how it would resolve.
Lady Louise is the heroine, and she captured my heart right away. She had such a heavy burden to bear that could have crippled her, but her bravery makes her strong as she faces the possibility of losing her sight forever.
Her difficult relationship with her parents adds to her fears, but her courage and determination to circumvent her father’s control is amazing. As the attraction for the hero grows while she recovers from her surgery, they get to know each other, and her growing affection for Marcus frightens her, but she is unable to fight it.
Marcus Berkly is the hero, and he’s such as amazing character. He has fought to find a place of respect, after living under his father’s scandal. At last, his skill as an eye surgeon has brought him acclaim, and he devotes his time to caring for his patients. I admired his determination, his humility, and his integrity. After the shadow he’s lived under, he’s amazingly resilient.
As he gets to know Lady Louise, he realizes his affections are growing into love, and believing he’s too far below her, he fights his attraction by trying to stay away from her. Ms. Barnes shows his frustration and heartache at never being enough, and his unwarranted believe he’s unworthy of Lady Louise is so sad, it brought tears to my eyes.
The romance between Lady Louise and Marcus develops slowly as both characters fight their growing attraction. I could feel their despair, each believing their love unrequited. They are so perfect for each other, and I wanted them to find a way for their love to flourish against the odds stacked against them.
If you enjoy historical romance with more substance and depth than others in this genre, then you will love The Dishonored Viscount as much as I did. Ms. Barnes’ novel are always compelling love stories with characters that will touch one’s heart. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this intriguing novel. Happy reading!
The Dishonored Viscount is a well written novel with compelling characters and an absorbing plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. The unique aspects of this story kept me reading to find out how it would resolve.
Lady Louise is the heroine, and she captured my heart right away. She had such a heavy burden to bear that could have crippled her, but her bravery makes her strong as she faces the possibility of losing her sight forever.
Her difficult relationship with her parents adds to her fears, but her courage and determination to circumvent her father’s control is amazing. As the attraction for the hero grows while she recovers from her surgery, they get to know each other, and her growing affection for Marcus frightens her, but she is unable to fight it.
Marcus Berkly is the hero, and he’s such as amazing character. He has fought to find a place of respect, after living under his father’s scandal. At last, his skill as an eye surgeon has brought him acclaim, and he devotes his time to caring for his patients. I admired his determination, his humility, and his integrity. After the shadow he’s lived under, he’s amazingly resilient.
As he gets to know Lady Louise, he realizes his affections are growing into love, and believing he’s too far below her, he fights his attraction by trying to stay away from her. Ms. Barnes shows his frustration and heartache at never being enough, and his unwarranted believe he’s unworthy of Lady Louise is so sad, it brought tears to my eyes.
The romance between Lady Louise and Marcus develops slowly as both characters fight their growing attraction. I could feel their despair, each believing their love unrequited. They are so perfect for each other, and I wanted them to find a way for their love to flourish against the odds stacked against them.
If you enjoy historical romance with more substance and depth than others in this genre, then you will love The Dishonored Viscount as much as I did. Ms. Barnes’ novel are always compelling love stories with characters that will touch one’s heart. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this intriguing novel. Happy reading!
October 12, 2023
The Dishonored Viscount is the eighth book in Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes.
I have had a love-hate relationship with this series - some books I absolutely loved, the others not so much. This one falls somewhere in the middle for me.
The MCs Louise and Marcus were both interesting in their own ways and I liked the way they were pushed together because of Louise's cataract and Marcus becoming her eye surgeon. The falling in love part was the best thing about this book. I absolutely loved the time they spent together at the Winterly house.
However, once they returned, they actually did not spend any time together at all rather just pined for one another - disappointingly without any kind of angst or sexual tension arising which imo are the best parts of historical romances. I kept waiting for that spark to ignite between the two that prevented them from keeping their hands off of one another - alas it never came.
The ending was a good one though and a perfect homage to the series.
3 stars.
I have had a love-hate relationship with this series - some books I absolutely loved, the others not so much. This one falls somewhere in the middle for me.
The MCs Louise and Marcus were both interesting in their own ways and I liked the way they were pushed together because of Louise's cataract and Marcus becoming her eye surgeon. The falling in love part was the best thing about this book. I absolutely loved the time they spent together at the Winterly house.
However, once they returned, they actually did not spend any time together at all rather just pined for one another - disappointingly without any kind of angst or sexual tension arising which imo are the best parts of historical romances. I kept waiting for that spark to ignite between the two that prevented them from keeping their hands off of one another - alas it never came.
The ending was a good one though and a perfect homage to the series.
3 stars.
August 15, 2021
I adored this lovely novel by Sophie Barnes, and I am especially grateful that this ARC showed up in my Netgalley inbox few days ago. The last book I tried reading put me off with it's coldness. By comparison, The Dishonored Viscount sucked me in instantly and held my attention for hours.
Louise, Lord Grasmere's youngest child, is 20 and perilously close to being on the shelf. In spite of a healthy dowry, her failing eyesight (cataracts) is seen as something that makes her a less than desirable candidate as a wife. When she learns that Marcus Bently is a gifted opthalmologist who has helped close to 100 people with her same disability, she finds hope for the first time.
Unfortunately, Marcus is the son of a viscount hanged for murder several years earlier. Marcus, by association, is shunned by society. Rather than giving in to despair after the hanging, Marcus turned his ostracism into something useful; he moved to Scotland to study medicine and has since become the best opthalmologist in London.
Louise has to have the surgery and deal with the recovery in secret as her father has forbidden her from having anything to do with Marcus. Their sojourn to Dorset (to the home of her sister-in-law's parents' house) provides ample time for falling in love. Of course, true to the trope, they are star-crossed lovers who have a lot to overcome if they are to be together
I loved both Marcus and Louise. Yes, Louise is young (13 years younger than Marcus), but her struggles with her sight have required her to develop a greater maturity than her flighty peers. She recognizes that her feelings for Marcus are special and is determined but not stupid in what she is willing to do for them to be together. Marcus is dreamy; he's a gifted surgeon who spends Saturdays flying kites with orphans rather than whoring it up around town like his former ton buddies do. He respects and admires Louise, which in turn makes me respect and admire him. Intimate scenes between them are fairly simple; they are passionate and in love, but a lot is suggested rather than spelled out for the reader in detail. The detail is not missed.
I wish I'd read the previous novels in this series, and I need to go back and check them out. And I will definitely be picking up more Sophie Barnes in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Louise, Lord Grasmere's youngest child, is 20 and perilously close to being on the shelf. In spite of a healthy dowry, her failing eyesight (cataracts) is seen as something that makes her a less than desirable candidate as a wife. When she learns that Marcus Bently is a gifted opthalmologist who has helped close to 100 people with her same disability, she finds hope for the first time.
Unfortunately, Marcus is the son of a viscount hanged for murder several years earlier. Marcus, by association, is shunned by society. Rather than giving in to despair after the hanging, Marcus turned his ostracism into something useful; he moved to Scotland to study medicine and has since become the best opthalmologist in London.
Louise has to have the surgery and deal with the recovery in secret as her father has forbidden her from having anything to do with Marcus. Their sojourn to Dorset (to the home of her sister-in-law's parents' house) provides ample time for falling in love. Of course, true to the trope, they are star-crossed lovers who have a lot to overcome if they are to be together
I loved both Marcus and Louise. Yes, Louise is young (13 years younger than Marcus), but her struggles with her sight have required her to develop a greater maturity than her flighty peers. She recognizes that her feelings for Marcus are special and is determined but not stupid in what she is willing to do for them to be together. Marcus is dreamy; he's a gifted surgeon who spends Saturdays flying kites with orphans rather than whoring it up around town like his former ton buddies do. He respects and admires Louise, which in turn makes me respect and admire him. Intimate scenes between them are fairly simple; they are passionate and in love, but a lot is suggested rather than spelled out for the reader in detail. The detail is not missed.
I wish I'd read the previous novels in this series, and I need to go back and check them out. And I will definitely be picking up more Sophie Barnes in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
January 13, 2022
louise's eyesight have been deteriorating. though she had several procedures in her youth, it only temporarily regain her eyesight. when her father demanded her to go through another couching, a painful operation on her eyes, she refuses. louise wants a more permanent procedure even if it meant losing her eyesight. here comes marcus, london's most skilled eye surgeon and a dishonored viscount. he has operated on people before and helped them regain their eyesight. although not 100% successful, louise is determined to take the risk.
after his father was convicted and hanged for murder, marcus lost his title and everything that came with it. however, he doesn't resent it. instead, marcus went ahead to become an amazing eye surgeon who helps the needy and poor whenever he can.
i adored louise and marcus's story. louise was the first woman that marcus was attracted to, and not because he was intrigued that she was speaking to a frog the first time they met. her determination in taking her life in her own hands by ignoring her father's command and taking precautions by learning about her potential blindness surprised and captivated marcus. his lack of title never bothered louise despite her being a noblewoman. she was amazed at this man's loving heart and attitude as a surgeon.
the couple do face their own obstacles mainly because marcus is a murderer's son. regardless, louise doesn't care and that's the only thing that matters. still, marcus has some overcoming to do about that particular issue.
books in the series:
1. a most unlikely duke
2. the duke of her desire
3. the illegitimate duke
4. the infamous duchess
5. the forgotten duke
6. the formidable earl
7. her scottish scoundrel: ✰✰✰✰
8. the dishonored viscount: ✰✰✰✰
after his father was convicted and hanged for murder, marcus lost his title and everything that came with it. however, he doesn't resent it. instead, marcus went ahead to become an amazing eye surgeon who helps the needy and poor whenever he can.
i adored louise and marcus's story. louise was the first woman that marcus was attracted to, and not because he was intrigued that she was speaking to a frog the first time they met. her determination in taking her life in her own hands by ignoring her father's command and taking precautions by learning about her potential blindness surprised and captivated marcus. his lack of title never bothered louise despite her being a noblewoman. she was amazed at this man's loving heart and attitude as a surgeon.
the couple do face their own obstacles mainly because marcus is a murderer's son. regardless, louise doesn't care and that's the only thing that matters. still, marcus has some overcoming to do about that particular issue.
books in the series:
1. a most unlikely duke
2. the duke of her desire
3. the illegitimate duke
4. the infamous duchess
5. the forgotten duke
6. the formidable earl
7. her scottish scoundrel: ✰✰✰✰
8. the dishonored viscount: ✰✰✰✰
September 30, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
I picked this up because I thought I’d read the entire Diamonds in the Rough series so far, and I always look forward to the latest installment. Although it turns out I managed to miss one (The Forgotten Duke), and obviously I’ll have to go back.
While I haven’t loved any of the series quite as much as I did the very first book, A Most Unlikely Duke, I’ve certainly enjoyed them more than well enough to keep coming back for more. So I’m actually kind of glad I missed one because it will give me an opportunity to catch up between now and the next. Especially as it looks like the story in that book leads directly to this one – not that plenty of other things haven’t as well.
All of the stories in this series start with the premise that either the hero or the heroine – and usually it’s the hero – is not worthy of the love of the heroine, nor her hand in marriage. At least unworthy according to the strict – and strictly hypocritical – rules of Regency high society.
Marcus Berkly used to be the heir of the Earl of Hedgewick. From a certain perspective, he still is. But where he was once the heir to the Earldom, now he’s heir to nothing but the scandal and opprobrium rightfully attached to his father’s name. The title, the estate, and everything Marcus expected to inherit were forfeit to the Crown when his father’s crimes were revealed.
Society can no longer sneer at his dead father, but they can certainly administer the cut direct to Marcus at every opportunity. So he does his best to give them as few opportunities as possible. After all, with the loss of his estate, Marcus has been forced to work for his living. And he does. After long years of training, Marcus Berkly has become an inventive, esteemed and highly-respected eye surgeon.
Which is where the rest of the story comes in. Lady Louise, the daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has cataracts, and has since she was a girl. The usual treatment for her condition is to “couch” her eyes, inserting a needle into the eye and moving the occluded lens aside. It works, at least for a little while, and is just as painful as you might expect.
Berkly is pioneering a new and permanent treatment for the condition, and has a high success rate for the operation. Which is to remove the occluded lens completely through a tiny cut. It’s even more painful than couching, the recovery time is longer, and without a lens in the eye the patient will have to wear eyeglasses for the rest of their life. But it’s permanent.
Louise wants the treatment. Desperately. Every time the couching fails, as it inevitably does, she’s blind until the next painful treatment. Once and done – no matter the pain – seems like an extremely worthwhile trade to her.
But not to her father. Who is stubborn, a stick in the mud, a dictator in Louise’s life and a stickler for the rules. He refuses to consider the new treatment, because he’s hidebound, because her current eye doctor is a long-term friend, and especially and mostly because of the scandal attached to Marcus’ name.
Louise is not supposed to have any agency in this situation. Her father certainly believes that she does not. So she takes it – and herself – out of his clutches and concocts a plan to get the treatment she needs and should be entitled to.
That she and Marcus will have to stay in the country – properly chaperoned of course – for an entire month has no bearing on her plans when the scheme takes flight. But by the time her father finds her and returns her to London, her view of the world and her future in it has changed.
And not just because she can finally see.
Escape Rating B: One of the things that is glaringly obvious in Regency romances written today is the way that the hypocrisy of the ton is set out in such sharp relief. Marcus Berkly has done absolutely nothing wrong. Not by any standards whatsoever. He has not committed any crimes, he hasn’t cheated at cards, he’s just a reasonably decent man who is suffering from a huge case of guilt by association. As one of the characters in the story put it, how was he supposed to disassociate himself from his own father? Not that he didn’t want to, but seriously, how does one do that?
The story also exposes the way that everything in high society functions is all about the appearance of obeying the rules, which seems to be the biggest rule of all. So it’s not that all of the offers for Lady Louise’s hand are from fortune hunters, it’s that the obviousness of that issue is not exposed to society in a way that can’t be ignored.
On the one hand, the sheer, intended and intentional helplessness of Louise’s situation grates like rough sandpaper. And on the other, that she grasps the nettle by the thorns and gets herself the treatment she needs in spite of her father’s threats is very well done. She wants more from her life than a miserable existence as some man’s decorative object and broodmare, and she’s willing to be exiled from society to get it.
Her father is such a jackass about the whole thing that he becomes a caricature. There were plenty of legitimate reasons for not approving the new treatment but he went the high-handed dictator route instead. He actually did have reasonably good intentions for his daughter, even if he went about them in the worst and most tyrannical way. Maybe he does make sense, but I found him even more of a trial than Louise did.
Marcus also falls prey to the “I’m not worthy” syndrome because society has forced it upon him, along with a heaping helping of “she doesn’t know her own mind” which made me want to strangle him at points. At the same time, it’s so clear that he’s a very good man and might possibly be good enough for Louise. Maybe. If he works very, very hard.
She’s the one I wanted to see get her HEA. After all, she’s blackmailing her father, which takes some serious gonads. She earned every good thing that finally comes to her, because she’s the one who gets tried the most, and she’s not found wanting.
The men in her life, not so much.
Still, I had a good time reading this latest book in the series, which, according to the author, is the last full-length novel in it. But I still have The Forgotten Duke to go back to when I want to take a quick trip to the Regency, and a new novella in the series, The Roguish Baron, to look forward to this holiday season, when it will be included in The Rogue Who Stole Christmas anthology.
I picked this up because I thought I’d read the entire Diamonds in the Rough series so far, and I always look forward to the latest installment. Although it turns out I managed to miss one (The Forgotten Duke), and obviously I’ll have to go back.
While I haven’t loved any of the series quite as much as I did the very first book, A Most Unlikely Duke, I’ve certainly enjoyed them more than well enough to keep coming back for more. So I’m actually kind of glad I missed one because it will give me an opportunity to catch up between now and the next. Especially as it looks like the story in that book leads directly to this one – not that plenty of other things haven’t as well.
All of the stories in this series start with the premise that either the hero or the heroine – and usually it’s the hero – is not worthy of the love of the heroine, nor her hand in marriage. At least unworthy according to the strict – and strictly hypocritical – rules of Regency high society.
Marcus Berkly used to be the heir of the Earl of Hedgewick. From a certain perspective, he still is. But where he was once the heir to the Earldom, now he’s heir to nothing but the scandal and opprobrium rightfully attached to his father’s name. The title, the estate, and everything Marcus expected to inherit were forfeit to the Crown when his father’s crimes were revealed.
Society can no longer sneer at his dead father, but they can certainly administer the cut direct to Marcus at every opportunity. So he does his best to give them as few opportunities as possible. After all, with the loss of his estate, Marcus has been forced to work for his living. And he does. After long years of training, Marcus Berkly has become an inventive, esteemed and highly-respected eye surgeon.
Which is where the rest of the story comes in. Lady Louise, the daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has cataracts, and has since she was a girl. The usual treatment for her condition is to “couch” her eyes, inserting a needle into the eye and moving the occluded lens aside. It works, at least for a little while, and is just as painful as you might expect.
Berkly is pioneering a new and permanent treatment for the condition, and has a high success rate for the operation. Which is to remove the occluded lens completely through a tiny cut. It’s even more painful than couching, the recovery time is longer, and without a lens in the eye the patient will have to wear eyeglasses for the rest of their life. But it’s permanent.
Louise wants the treatment. Desperately. Every time the couching fails, as it inevitably does, she’s blind until the next painful treatment. Once and done – no matter the pain – seems like an extremely worthwhile trade to her.
But not to her father. Who is stubborn, a stick in the mud, a dictator in Louise’s life and a stickler for the rules. He refuses to consider the new treatment, because he’s hidebound, because her current eye doctor is a long-term friend, and especially and mostly because of the scandal attached to Marcus’ name.
Louise is not supposed to have any agency in this situation. Her father certainly believes that she does not. So she takes it – and herself – out of his clutches and concocts a plan to get the treatment she needs and should be entitled to.
That she and Marcus will have to stay in the country – properly chaperoned of course – for an entire month has no bearing on her plans when the scheme takes flight. But by the time her father finds her and returns her to London, her view of the world and her future in it has changed.
And not just because she can finally see.
Escape Rating B: One of the things that is glaringly obvious in Regency romances written today is the way that the hypocrisy of the ton is set out in such sharp relief. Marcus Berkly has done absolutely nothing wrong. Not by any standards whatsoever. He has not committed any crimes, he hasn’t cheated at cards, he’s just a reasonably decent man who is suffering from a huge case of guilt by association. As one of the characters in the story put it, how was he supposed to disassociate himself from his own father? Not that he didn’t want to, but seriously, how does one do that?
The story also exposes the way that everything in high society functions is all about the appearance of obeying the rules, which seems to be the biggest rule of all. So it’s not that all of the offers for Lady Louise’s hand are from fortune hunters, it’s that the obviousness of that issue is not exposed to society in a way that can’t be ignored.
On the one hand, the sheer, intended and intentional helplessness of Louise’s situation grates like rough sandpaper. And on the other, that she grasps the nettle by the thorns and gets herself the treatment she needs in spite of her father’s threats is very well done. She wants more from her life than a miserable existence as some man’s decorative object and broodmare, and she’s willing to be exiled from society to get it.
Her father is such a jackass about the whole thing that he becomes a caricature. There were plenty of legitimate reasons for not approving the new treatment but he went the high-handed dictator route instead. He actually did have reasonably good intentions for his daughter, even if he went about them in the worst and most tyrannical way. Maybe he does make sense, but I found him even more of a trial than Louise did.
Marcus also falls prey to the “I’m not worthy” syndrome because society has forced it upon him, along with a heaping helping of “she doesn’t know her own mind” which made me want to strangle him at points. At the same time, it’s so clear that he’s a very good man and might possibly be good enough for Louise. Maybe. If he works very, very hard.
She’s the one I wanted to see get her HEA. After all, she’s blackmailing her father, which takes some serious gonads. She earned every good thing that finally comes to her, because she’s the one who gets tried the most, and she’s not found wanting.
The men in her life, not so much.
Still, I had a good time reading this latest book in the series, which, according to the author, is the last full-length novel in it. But I still have The Forgotten Duke to go back to when I want to take a quick trip to the Regency, and a new novella in the series, The Roguish Baron, to look forward to this holiday season, when it will be included in The Rogue Who Stole Christmas anthology.
September 18, 2021
This is the last novel of the Diamonds in the Rough series and I regret not having discovered this series earlier! So now I’ll have to catch up and start from the very beginning, because I found this book awesome and extremely well-written.
Let me start by saying that Marcus, the so-called dishonored viscount, has more honor than the rest of them put together, meaning the people of Polite Society who shun him only because he’s the son of a murderer. He is a good man, always trying to do the right thing even to his own detriment, a man who has found a purpose in life by becoming a respected surgeon.
And Louise was a real surprise. Initially a very meek girl, she reveals a surprisingly defiant character. She’s obeyed her parents all her life, but then decides to fight for what she deems right.
Their HEA is packed full of obstacles, but it’s a pleasure to see them overcome everything, even their own self-doubt… The second half of the book is particularly fast-paced, a real crescendo of emotion until the well-deserved happy ending.
Sophie Barnes is a very talented writer and I loved the way she approached the theme of disability in the Regency period. I learned quite a few interesting things about the way eye illnesses were treated and I found the medical information about eye surgery in the 18th and 19th centuries fascinating in the highest degree. I always enjoy discovering new things about the past while reading a romance book and this one was informative without being boring. Definitely a five star book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Let me start by saying that Marcus, the so-called dishonored viscount, has more honor than the rest of them put together, meaning the people of Polite Society who shun him only because he’s the son of a murderer. He is a good man, always trying to do the right thing even to his own detriment, a man who has found a purpose in life by becoming a respected surgeon.
And Louise was a real surprise. Initially a very meek girl, she reveals a surprisingly defiant character. She’s obeyed her parents all her life, but then decides to fight for what she deems right.
Their HEA is packed full of obstacles, but it’s a pleasure to see them overcome everything, even their own self-doubt… The second half of the book is particularly fast-paced, a real crescendo of emotion until the well-deserved happy ending.
Sophie Barnes is a very talented writer and I loved the way she approached the theme of disability in the Regency period. I learned quite a few interesting things about the way eye illnesses were treated and I found the medical information about eye surgery in the 18th and 19th centuries fascinating in the highest degree. I always enjoy discovering new things about the past while reading a romance book and this one was informative without being boring. Definitely a five star book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 8, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
All her life, Lady Louise, daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has had difficulties with her eyesight. With her cataracts moving, she'd had to undergo surgery after surgery, but the couching has never lasted long term. She knows that to go against her father, and the opinion of his friend and trusted doctor, would cause a rift in the family, but meeting the handsome Dr Berkly at a recent society event, and learning he would be able to perform surgery that would be long lasting, and save her from permanent blindness, she would do anything to make it happen. But, Dr Berkly also happens to be the son of the infamous Earl of Hedgewick, who had murdered his friend, and whom Marcus had had a hand in bringing to justice. In getting his father charged, he lost his title, estate, and reputation amongst the ton. However, Louise doesn't seem to care about it, and when the two spend a month together at her in-laws estate, while she's recovering from the secret surgery, they fall in love. Will they be to be together, or will their father's pull them apart?
I quite enjoyed the sixth book in this series, which I was approved for a while ago, and when I spotted another of Sophie's books available to review on NetGalley, I decided to give it a go, and liked this one just as much. Both of the main characters were fantastic to read about, and I loved how neither of them were perfect, and their flaws were on show here, as were the things in their pasts/families which were obstacles for them to overcome. Louise, as the youngest daughter of an earl, is expected to make a glowing match, but her sight troubles, which no one really knows the full extent of, have caused her to become somewhat of a laughing stock to the ton. She's had her heart set on one man since he rescued her from a fall during a dance, and it's only really her large dowry that will entice him. I felt like she was a little too focused on this person, and there's a definite lack of communication between her and Marcus which could've solved problems a lot quicker. All in all, a decent book, and can be read as a standalone.
All her life, Lady Louise, daughter of the Earl of Grasmere, has had difficulties with her eyesight. With her cataracts moving, she'd had to undergo surgery after surgery, but the couching has never lasted long term. She knows that to go against her father, and the opinion of his friend and trusted doctor, would cause a rift in the family, but meeting the handsome Dr Berkly at a recent society event, and learning he would be able to perform surgery that would be long lasting, and save her from permanent blindness, she would do anything to make it happen. But, Dr Berkly also happens to be the son of the infamous Earl of Hedgewick, who had murdered his friend, and whom Marcus had had a hand in bringing to justice. In getting his father charged, he lost his title, estate, and reputation amongst the ton. However, Louise doesn't seem to care about it, and when the two spend a month together at her in-laws estate, while she's recovering from the secret surgery, they fall in love. Will they be to be together, or will their father's pull them apart?
I quite enjoyed the sixth book in this series, which I was approved for a while ago, and when I spotted another of Sophie's books available to review on NetGalley, I decided to give it a go, and liked this one just as much. Both of the main characters were fantastic to read about, and I loved how neither of them were perfect, and their flaws were on show here, as were the things in their pasts/families which were obstacles for them to overcome. Louise, as the youngest daughter of an earl, is expected to make a glowing match, but her sight troubles, which no one really knows the full extent of, have caused her to become somewhat of a laughing stock to the ton. She's had her heart set on one man since he rescued her from a fall during a dance, and it's only really her large dowry that will entice him. I felt like she was a little too focused on this person, and there's a definite lack of communication between her and Marcus which could've solved problems a lot quicker. All in all, a decent book, and can be read as a standalone.
September 11, 2021
The eighth and final full length book in the Diamonds in the Rough series resolves what happened to Marcus Berkly after he loses his title and assets when his father is convicted of the murder of a duke and Carlton Guthries’s father.
Eight years has past since his fathers condition and hanging and his shunning from society… and in this time, Marcus has studied in Edinborough and worked hard to become one of London’s most renowned opthamologist. Living a contented life with his personal achievements, until a fateful night at his brother-in-laws ball brings him into contact with Lady Louise.
Lady Louise has suffered from cataracts her whole life and been made to suffer a couching procedure to provide temporary relief to her loss of vision. The next painful procedure is always waiting around the corner… that is until her vision goes at a ball and she learns that there is another option- a more permanent option for correcting her sight!
Emboldened, Lady Louise talks Mr. Berkly into secretly preforming the surgery and caring for her during her recuperation, and for a month these two are companions and find themselves fighting the attraction that builds between them They can never be because to have a relationship with Marcus, it would cost her her family and her acceptance in society…
So they both try to more on afterwards… and obviously this proves harder than either of them ever thought!
I really enjoyed the unique circumstances between Louises and Marcus’s meeting and relationship building. Marcus is not only able to help her with her sight, he is the only one who sees her true worth and is able to show her how to see it herself. He inspires her to want more than she has been told she deserves.
As a wrap up of a series, I really appreciated the appearances of most of the characters from this series. I love getting to say a final goodbye to my favourites, like Guthrie and Huntley. I have absolutely adored this series and I’m sad to see it coming to an end!
The Dishonoured Viscount by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release 21st, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#TheDishonouredViscount #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
Eight years has past since his fathers condition and hanging and his shunning from society… and in this time, Marcus has studied in Edinborough and worked hard to become one of London’s most renowned opthamologist. Living a contented life with his personal achievements, until a fateful night at his brother-in-laws ball brings him into contact with Lady Louise.
Lady Louise has suffered from cataracts her whole life and been made to suffer a couching procedure to provide temporary relief to her loss of vision. The next painful procedure is always waiting around the corner… that is until her vision goes at a ball and she learns that there is another option- a more permanent option for correcting her sight!
Emboldened, Lady Louise talks Mr. Berkly into secretly preforming the surgery and caring for her during her recuperation, and for a month these two are companions and find themselves fighting the attraction that builds between them They can never be because to have a relationship with Marcus, it would cost her her family and her acceptance in society…
So they both try to more on afterwards… and obviously this proves harder than either of them ever thought!
I really enjoyed the unique circumstances between Louises and Marcus’s meeting and relationship building. Marcus is not only able to help her with her sight, he is the only one who sees her true worth and is able to show her how to see it herself. He inspires her to want more than she has been told she deserves.
As a wrap up of a series, I really appreciated the appearances of most of the characters from this series. I love getting to say a final goodbye to my favourites, like Guthrie and Huntley. I have absolutely adored this series and I’m sad to see it coming to an end!
The Dishonoured Viscount by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release 21st, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#TheDishonouredViscount #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
September 12, 2021
A Viscount stripped of this title finds true love while saving a Lady’s sight
“THE DISHONORED VISCOUNT” is Sophie Barnes’ 8th book in her “Diamonds in the Rough” series and is by far the best of the series yet. This fantastic book illustrates her superior writing talent and storytelling ability which excels with this offering. The characters as so personable and real that the reader can’t help but adore them. The plot is poignant and thoroughly engaging that you cry and then cheer at many points in the story. I can’t say enough positive about this book and have to say that it is a MUST READ.
Marcus Berkly, who has appeared in several of the previous titles in the series, has his has his title, property, and wealth stripped from him by the Crown when his father was convicted of murder and executed. He has become a skilled and renown eye surgeon in London through hard work and dedication. By chance he has and encounter with Lady Louise at a ball and she was told by her father that she is not to associate with Marcus under any circumstances.
Lady Louise, now 20, has had cataracts in both eyes since she was very young at the ball she suffered a relapse of the temporary fix for the problem and is now essentially blind. She discovers that Marcus has a surgical procedure that can correct the condition and with spectacles she would not ever have to face the possibility of permanent blindness. Louise convinces Marcus to perform the surgery without her father’s consent and at a secret location away from her family. The surgery is a success but her father finds her and brings her home. During the 5 week convalesce Louise and Marcus fall in love with each other and one back in London they try to act on the love they have. When for selfish reasons her father arranges a marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather, she runs away to follow Marcus to Germany. She encounters problems in her flight and must deal with her father, so you must read the book for the outcome that ends with an HEA.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
“THE DISHONORED VISCOUNT” is Sophie Barnes’ 8th book in her “Diamonds in the Rough” series and is by far the best of the series yet. This fantastic book illustrates her superior writing talent and storytelling ability which excels with this offering. The characters as so personable and real that the reader can’t help but adore them. The plot is poignant and thoroughly engaging that you cry and then cheer at many points in the story. I can’t say enough positive about this book and have to say that it is a MUST READ.
Marcus Berkly, who has appeared in several of the previous titles in the series, has his has his title, property, and wealth stripped from him by the Crown when his father was convicted of murder and executed. He has become a skilled and renown eye surgeon in London through hard work and dedication. By chance he has and encounter with Lady Louise at a ball and she was told by her father that she is not to associate with Marcus under any circumstances.
Lady Louise, now 20, has had cataracts in both eyes since she was very young at the ball she suffered a relapse of the temporary fix for the problem and is now essentially blind. She discovers that Marcus has a surgical procedure that can correct the condition and with spectacles she would not ever have to face the possibility of permanent blindness. Louise convinces Marcus to perform the surgery without her father’s consent and at a secret location away from her family. The surgery is a success but her father finds her and brings her home. During the 5 week convalesce Louise and Marcus fall in love with each other and one back in London they try to act on the love they have. When for selfish reasons her father arranges a marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather, she runs away to follow Marcus to Germany. She encounters problems in her flight and must deal with her father, so you must read the book for the outcome that ends with an HEA.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
September 3, 2021
It's finally time for Marcus to get his HEA.. After being stripped of his titles Marcus, decides to make his own way to the world and find a purpose. He becomes one of the best eye doctors, which is what Lady Louise is looking for. Having cataracts and being submitted in painful operations with temporary results, she decides it's time to find a new treatment which is what Marcus can do best.
I could say that this books is divided in two parts. At the beginning is more slow burn, and we get to watch Marcus and Luisa gradually falling in love. At the second part, things escalate quickly, it becomes more adventurous until the end.
This is the 8th and final full length novel of the series and the second one I've read. Like Book no7 it's standalone and it's not difficult to follow if you haven't read any other book. Sophie Barnes gives you all the information you would need. She also did an amazing job describing Louise's problem and surgery (it might disturb some readers).
I really enjoyed this book, I finished it in one day and I definitely recommend it. I received a free copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
I could say that this books is divided in two parts. At the beginning is more slow burn, and we get to watch Marcus and Luisa gradually falling in love. At the second part, things escalate quickly, it becomes more adventurous until the end.
This is the 8th and final full length novel of the series and the second one I've read. Like Book no7 it's standalone and it's not difficult to follow if you haven't read any other book. Sophie Barnes gives you all the information you would need. She also did an amazing job describing Louise's problem and surgery (it might disturb some readers).
I really enjoyed this book, I finished it in one day and I definitely recommend it. I received a free copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
September 6, 2021
Oh, my what can I say about this book or this series other then all of the books are great.. Each one is a story not to be missed. I wish I could give this book more stars it is wonderful story of a great couple.
Both Marcus and Louise have had to overcome a number of difficulties and cruelty from others.
We get to learn how tough it was to live in 1828. Being in society meant you were judged by what title you had or whose daughter or son you. Wealth, Title, and being perfect. Anyone with a disability was made fun of and ignored.
Dr Marcus Berkly is a gifted, talented ophthalmology (eye Surgeon). He has studied the latest techniques and helps all he can. He has worked really had to restart his life. He was born to the ton,
A Viscount who had it all or so he thought till his father was hanged for murder. Then he lost everything. No one in society wants to be around him, he is paying for the deeds of his father.
Lady Louise is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grasmere. Unfortunately, she has had problems with her eyes since she was born. Her father has made her have a number of painful surgeries to
help her see but this treatment never last and her blindness comes back at the worst times. Causing her to be made fun of and scorned.
When she hears that Marcus can do a surgery that can end her blindness, she will do whatever she has to have it.
So begins the best love story between two wounded souls I have read this year. (Which is saying a lot because I have read a lot of books already this year.)
We are taken thought all the pain, the attraction they feel and all they have to overcome.
So many people are against both of them, secrets found out, rumors and of course the evil person
in all good romance stories... causes problems. Most of the second characters are wonderful too.
I started this book to just read a couple of chapters before going back to things I had to do, well none got done because I couldn't leave this couple without knowing what happened next !!
Hope you grab a copy and be ready to have all the emotions there are. So many ups and downs,
but the end it worth the read it's the best.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Both Marcus and Louise have had to overcome a number of difficulties and cruelty from others.
We get to learn how tough it was to live in 1828. Being in society meant you were judged by what title you had or whose daughter or son you. Wealth, Title, and being perfect. Anyone with a disability was made fun of and ignored.
Dr Marcus Berkly is a gifted, talented ophthalmology (eye Surgeon). He has studied the latest techniques and helps all he can. He has worked really had to restart his life. He was born to the ton,
A Viscount who had it all or so he thought till his father was hanged for murder. Then he lost everything. No one in society wants to be around him, he is paying for the deeds of his father.
Lady Louise is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grasmere. Unfortunately, she has had problems with her eyes since she was born. Her father has made her have a number of painful surgeries to
help her see but this treatment never last and her blindness comes back at the worst times. Causing her to be made fun of and scorned.
When she hears that Marcus can do a surgery that can end her blindness, she will do whatever she has to have it.
So begins the best love story between two wounded souls I have read this year. (Which is saying a lot because I have read a lot of books already this year.)
We are taken thought all the pain, the attraction they feel and all they have to overcome.
So many people are against both of them, secrets found out, rumors and of course the evil person
in all good romance stories... causes problems. Most of the second characters are wonderful too.
I started this book to just read a couple of chapters before going back to things I had to do, well none got done because I couldn't leave this couple without knowing what happened next !!
Hope you grab a copy and be ready to have all the emotions there are. So many ups and downs,
but the end it worth the read it's the best.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
September 21, 2021
4.5 Stars
Marcus Berkly was heir to an earldom until his father was convicted & hanged for murder, then the crown ceased the title & all the lands & money. Marcus struggled but with help from his brother in law he went to Edinburgh & studied to be a doctor & is now London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process.
This is the eighth & final full length book in the series & a lovely end to the series. I’ve hoped that Marcus would find love & his story was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved both Marcus & Louise, he didn't wallow in self pity but made something of his life, she's been plagued with cataracts all her life but again didn't wallow, two lovely strong resilient characters. I must admit I did skim some of the passages about cataracts & the procedure. The pair became close as she recovered from the operation but with a furious father & the disdain of the ton their road to a HEA seemed doomed. I loved their journey against the odds & I read this enthralling book in two sittings, the pages just flew by
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Marcus Berkly was heir to an earldom until his father was convicted & hanged for murder, then the crown ceased the title & all the lands & money. Marcus struggled but with help from his brother in law he went to Edinburgh & studied to be a doctor & is now London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process.
This is the eighth & final full length book in the series & a lovely end to the series. I’ve hoped that Marcus would find love & his story was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved both Marcus & Louise, he didn't wallow in self pity but made something of his life, she's been plagued with cataracts all her life but again didn't wallow, two lovely strong resilient characters. I must admit I did skim some of the passages about cataracts & the procedure. The pair became close as she recovered from the operation but with a furious father & the disdain of the ton their road to a HEA seemed doomed. I loved their journey against the odds & I read this enthralling book in two sittings, the pages just flew by
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 2, 2021
“I want more. I need more. And I’ve found all my heart could ever desire in Marcus. He has become the most important person to me, Papa, so it doesn’t matter how much you try to punish me for choosing him. Nothing in the world will ever make me change my mind.”
Such a lovely romance between the lady Louise who thinks no one will ever see her and Marcus who has lost so much but sees a beauty in front of him.
I just enjoyed the journey and cannot wait to read more as soon as I possibly can.
Such a lovely romance between the lady Louise who thinks no one will ever see her and Marcus who has lost so much but sees a beauty in front of him.
I just enjoyed the journey and cannot wait to read more as soon as I possibly can.
September 21, 2021
A noted eye surgeon agrees to perform surgery on a young lady's eyes before she goes totally blind.
Unfortunately her father keeps interfering to prevent it happening. Only her strong will to defy her father gives her a chance to have the surgery. Falling in love with her surgeon was not in the plan. Now they must fight against the odds for happiness. An honorable man willing to sacrifice himself for the woman he loves. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
Unfortunately her father keeps interfering to prevent it happening. Only her strong will to defy her father gives her a chance to have the surgery. Falling in love with her surgeon was not in the plan. Now they must fight against the odds for happiness. An honorable man willing to sacrifice himself for the woman he loves. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
July 31, 2021
Marcus and Louise are a really great couple.
Marcus is disinherted Viscount who lost his position in society because of the transgressions of his father. He had become a renowned eye surgeon in the meantime.
Louise is the daughter of an aristocrat who intends to enlist the surgeon to help her with a eye problem.
This is a sweet and poignant story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Marcus is disinherted Viscount who lost his position in society because of the transgressions of his father. He had become a renowned eye surgeon in the meantime.
Louise is the daughter of an aristocrat who intends to enlist the surgeon to help her with a eye problem.
This is a sweet and poignant story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
This book was ok. By itself, the romance was rather lack luster and formulaic.
On the other hand, reading about the eye surgery was very interesting. I consider this to be a clean romance.
I received a free copy from NetGalley.
On the other hand, reading about the eye surgery was very interesting. I consider this to be a clean romance.
I received a free copy from NetGalley.
September 1, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book, the 8th installment in the Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes. Although this book can stand alone, I have read and enjoyed the previous seven books in this series. My review and opinions of the book are my own.
Marcus Berkly was ostracised from society when his father, the Earl of Hedgwick, was found guilty of murder and hanged. Because of this capital offense, the earldom, entailed properties, and his wealth reverted to the crown. His father's "Corruption of the blood" prevented Marcus from inheriting and he was stripped of his courtesy title of Viscount. Marcus’s sister, Regina, came through the scandal married to a duke (The Forgotten Duke, Book #5).
Ultimately, Marcus leaves town and goes to Scotland, where he studies medicine. When he returns to London years later, he is a skilled and respected eye surgeon.
Lady Louise has been afflicted with cataracts since childhood. She has endured multiple procedures that temporarily relieve her from the effects, but the time between each painful procedure grows shorter. She is facing a future where complete loss of sight is imminent.
By chance, Louise meets Marcus and thinks him a kind man. When cataracts return in both eyes, she learns of Marcus’s success with eye surgery decides that her eyesight is worth the pain and risk of the surgery. Unfortunately, Louise’s father will not permit Marcus near his daughter due to his father’s past actions.
Louise’s brother helps Louise arrange to have the surgery in secret, and Marcus agrees to help. They travel to the country where the surgery can be performed, and Louisa can endure the month-long recovery.
Over the course of Louise's recovery, Marcus falls in love with her. Still, because of their doctor/patient relationship and his disgraced social standing, he hides his feelings believing Louise would be better off without him. Louise falls in love with Marcus too, but her father has different plans.
The path to Louise and Marcus's HEA is fraught with challenges which they eventually overcome.
The book is well written and very well researched. The detail the author includes on eye surgery in the period is fascinating. Overall the story is excellent, and I would highly recommend this book and the series.
Marcus Berkly was ostracised from society when his father, the Earl of Hedgwick, was found guilty of murder and hanged. Because of this capital offense, the earldom, entailed properties, and his wealth reverted to the crown. His father's "Corruption of the blood" prevented Marcus from inheriting and he was stripped of his courtesy title of Viscount. Marcus’s sister, Regina, came through the scandal married to a duke (The Forgotten Duke, Book #5).
Ultimately, Marcus leaves town and goes to Scotland, where he studies medicine. When he returns to London years later, he is a skilled and respected eye surgeon.
Lady Louise has been afflicted with cataracts since childhood. She has endured multiple procedures that temporarily relieve her from the effects, but the time between each painful procedure grows shorter. She is facing a future where complete loss of sight is imminent.
By chance, Louise meets Marcus and thinks him a kind man. When cataracts return in both eyes, she learns of Marcus’s success with eye surgery decides that her eyesight is worth the pain and risk of the surgery. Unfortunately, Louise’s father will not permit Marcus near his daughter due to his father’s past actions.
Louise’s brother helps Louise arrange to have the surgery in secret, and Marcus agrees to help. They travel to the country where the surgery can be performed, and Louisa can endure the month-long recovery.
Over the course of Louise's recovery, Marcus falls in love with her. Still, because of their doctor/patient relationship and his disgraced social standing, he hides his feelings believing Louise would be better off without him. Louise falls in love with Marcus too, but her father has different plans.
The path to Louise and Marcus's HEA is fraught with challenges which they eventually overcome.
The book is well written and very well researched. The detail the author includes on eye surgery in the period is fascinating. Overall the story is excellent, and I would highly recommend this book and the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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